Schools Closed in Islamabad for SCO Summit, O/A Level Exams to Proceed at Select Centers

As Islamabad prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, local authorities have announced the closure of all educational institutions during the event. However, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz confirmed that O/A Level exams would proceed at three designated centers in the city: E-11, Noor Mahal GT Road, and H-8.

While schools will remain shut, the centers hosting exams will be operational to ensure students can take their scheduled assessments without disruption. In addition, in neighboring Rawalpindi, markets, restaurants, wedding halls, and snooker clubs have been ordered to close from October 12 to 16, with strict compliance monitored by local law enforcement. Court hearings and inmate transfers from Adiala Jail have also been suspended during the summit period.

In light of security concerns, commandos and sniper shooters will be stationed on the rooftops of key buildings across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Additionally, pigeon and kite flying have been banned within a 3-kilometer radius of Noor Khan Airbase, and pigeon lofts have been dismantled in the area.